What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more pontics — artificial teeth — held in place by crowns cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap (the abutment teeth). The entire structure is fixed in place permanently.

The bridge is fabricated in a dental lab from precise impressions of your prepared teeth. During the two to three weeks of lab fabrication, a temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth. At the delivery appointment the permanent bridge is tried in, adjusted for fit and bite, and cemented permanently.

Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters

Most Common

Traditional Fixed Bridge

One or more pontics anchored by crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The most common bridge type — strong, durable, and suitable for most single and multi-tooth gaps in the back of the mouth.

3-unit bridge: $2,000 – $5,000

Conservative

Maryland Bridge

A resin-bonded bridge that attaches to the backs of the adjacent teeth with minimal tooth preparation — no full crowns required. Best suited for front tooth replacement when the surrounding teeth are healthy and intact.

$1,500 – $3,000

One Side Only

Cantilever Bridge

Anchored to only one adjacent tooth rather than two — used in specific situations where only one side of the gap has a suitable abutment tooth. Less common and not recommended for areas under heavy chewing forces.

Varies by case

Most Stable

Implant-Supported Bridge

When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, implants placed at either end of the gap support the bridge without involving natural teeth. Preserves bone and eliminates the need to crown healthy neighboring teeth. Placed in-office by Dr. David Roberts.

From $4,000+ per implant

Exam & Planning

X-rays confirm the health of the abutment teeth and surrounding bone. We discuss bridge type, material, and cost and check your bite to plan the restoration.

Tooth Preparation

The abutment teeth are shaped under local anesthetic to receive the crowns that will anchor the bridge. The procedure is comfortable — you feel pressure but no sharp pain.

Impressions & Temp Bridge

Precise impressions go to the dental lab. A temporary bridge protects your prepared teeth and maintains your appearance while the permanent bridge is fabricated — typically 2 to 3 weeks.

Try-In & Adjustments

The permanent bridge is tried in before cementing. We check the fit at every margin, the bite, and the appearance. Adjustments are made until everything is right.

Permanent Cementation

Once confirmed, the bridge is permanently cemented. You leave with a fully restored smile that functions like natural teeth.

Dental Bridge

• No surgery required
• Lower upfront cost
• Completed in two appointments
• Requires crowning adjacent teeth
• Does not prevent bone loss at gap
• Lasts 10 to 15 years typically
• Good option when adjacent teeth need crowns anyway

Dental Implant

• Minor surgical procedure required
• Higher upfront cost
• 3 to 6 month process
• Adjacent teeth are not touched
• Preserves bone at the implant site
• Can last a lifetime with proper care
• Best long-term investment when bone is adequate

How long do dental bridges last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a well-made dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years. Keeping the area under the bridge clean with floss threaders or a water flosser is essential — decay on the abutment teeth is the most common reason bridges fail prematurely.

Does getting a bridge hurt?

The preparation appointment is performed under local anesthetic — you feel pressure but no pain. Some sensitivity with the temporary bridge is normal and resolves when the permanent bridge is placed. Most patients find the process straightforward and far less involved than they expected.

What is the downside of a dental bridge?

A traditional bridge requires reducing healthy adjacent teeth to serve as crown abutments — this is irreversible. The bridge also does not stimulate the bone under the gap, so some bone loss occurs over time at that site. These are real considerations we discuss honestly at every bridge consultation.

How do I clean under a bridge?

Regular flossing does not thread under a bridge. We recommend floss threaders, superfloss, or a water flosser to clean under the pontic daily. We demonstrate the technique at your delivery appointment and check the area at every cleaning visit.

Does insurance cover dental bridges?

Most PPO dental plans cover bridges at 50 to 80% after deductible when the tooth loss is documented. Coverage and waiting periods vary. We verify your benefits before your consultation and provide a clear out-of-pocket estimate upfront.

What if I can’t afford a bridge right now?

Our Smile Savings Plan provides 20% off bridges and most other treatments. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry with flexible monthly payment options. We can also discuss whether a temporary solution — like a removable partial — makes sense while you plan for the permanent restoration.

Our team designs and places dental bridges with careful attention to fit, shade matching, and long-term function. We work with quality dental labs and take the time at every appointment — preparation, try-in, and delivery — to ensure the bridge seats correctly, looks natural, and feels completely comfortable before finalizing.

Meet the Full Team →

Dr. David Roberts, DDS

Implant Placement — IV Sedation Available

For implant-supported bridges, Dr. David Roberts places the implants in our office — no referral to a separate oral surgery center. With 35+ years of experience, Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and former president of the North Texas Dental Society, he handles all surgical components of implant-supported restorations.

“Had a three-unit bridge placed to replace a molar I’d been missing for years. The color match is perfect and the fit felt natural from day one. I forget it’s there which I guess is the whole point.”

— Patient, The Tribute

“The team walked me through bridge vs. implant honestly. Given that my adjacent teeth already needed crowns, the bridge made the most sense clinically and financially. Really appreciated the straight talk.”

— Patient, Lone Star Ranch

“Used the Smile Savings Plan for my bridge and the 20% made a meaningful difference. The process was smooth, two appointments and done. Tribute has earned my family’s business for the long term.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch